BLJ Worldwide promotes team members across functions

The Foundry Asia has announced several milestones, including the appointment of Joe Chau (pictured centre) as Head of Brands & Communications in Singapore and the official launch of its Bangkok office.

In the role, Joe will lead the Singapore office’s core focus across travel, hotels, and corporate communications, while Germaine Woon (pictured right), Founder and Managing Director, shifts her focus to regional growth.

Joe brings more than 15 years of communications experience from hospitality groups including Kempinski Hotels, Marriott International, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and IHG.

In Thailand, Henry Stonham (pictured left) has joined as Regional Head of Partnerships and Business Development.

He will lead partnerships and commercial growth, as well as shape community-driven initiatives across The Foundry Asia's Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok offices.

Henry will also strengthen the agency’s APAC presence, integrated communications and 360-degree branding capabilities.

Commenting on the regional expansion, Germaine said: “This move reflects how we see the region evolving - more connected, more collaborative, and increasingly driven by culture and community. Bangkok is a key market for us, and with Henry driving partnerships across the APAC region, this expansion allows us to build more meaningfully while continuing to connect our work across cities.”

The Bangkok office’s current portfolio includes W Bangkok, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, Robert Mondavi Winery and Restaurant Gaa.

These updates follow the appointment of Ian Fan as Director of Brands & Communications in Hong Kong in January 2026.

Lauren Maher has taken up responsibilities as Director, Communications and Engagement at the NSW Reconstruction Authority. She joins after six years at NSW State Emergency Service, where she was employed as the Senior Manager, Media and Communications.

Prior to that, Lauren began her PR and communications career at the NSW Police Force, where she spent a decade overseeing public communication, media relations, crisis response, and reputation strategies for the state's police force. 

The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) will host the 2026 MEPRA Qatar Leadership Majlis on 10 September at W Doha.

Held under the theme “The New Architecture of Influence,” the Leadership Majlis will examine how regional conflict, geopolitical realignment, economic uncertainty, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, and changing media habits are transforming the way information is created, shared, and trusted.

The 2026 edition will place an emphasis on practical application and lived experience. Sessions will explore how communications teams are using AI tools to plan, execute, and report on events; how event-led strategies differ across B2B, B2C, and B2G contexts; and how organisations are measuring impact beyond attendance and media coverage.

Justin Kerr-Stevens, MEPRA Chair, said: “The role of communications has changed. It's no longer just about controlling the message. Increasingly, our role is to help organisations make better decisions, build trust before they need it and navigate periods of uncertainty with confidence. That's what this year's Qatar Leadership Majlis is about. We'll bring together leaders from across government, business, media and communications to share practical experience, challenge conventional thinking and explore what the new architecture of influence means for organisations operating in today's Middle East. If attendees leave with one new idea they can take back into their organisation the very next day, we'll have achieved our goal.”

The Majlis is aimed at senior professionals from government, business, media, and communications, as well as leaders responsible for reputation, stakeholder engagement, corporate affairs, and organisational strategy, and serves as an open forum for candid discussion, peer learning, and practical insight